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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffInitially, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a nuisance, you usually feel much worse with the flu.
Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever over 100 F (38 C)
- Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs
- Chills and sweats
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nasal congestion
When to see a doctor
If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, see your doctor right away. Taking antiviral drugs within the first 48 hours after you first notice symptoms may reduce the length of your illness and help prevent more-serious problems.
- Key facts about seasonal flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Cold versus flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- People at high risk of developing flu-related complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Fort GG. Influenza. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- What you should know about flu antiviral drugs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Tang JW, et al. Emerging, Novel, and Known Influenza Virus Infections in Humans. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2010;24:603.
- The flu: Caring for someone sick at home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/homecare/. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Preventing the flu: Good health habits can help stop germs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- The flu: What to do if you get sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm. Accessed July 16, 2011.
- Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 25, 2011.
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